Introduction to Our Tour Map of China

CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION TO OUR TOUR

MAP OF CHINA, KYRGYZSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN

DAY BY DAY SUMMARY OF YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

QUOTATION

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

YOUR ITINERARY IN DETAIL

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

AITO QUALITY CHARTER

New Mill, our offices in the Windrush Valley on the edge of the Cotswolds

We are proud to have received a number of awards over recent years. We have been the Daily Telegraph Ultra Travel Best Small Tour Operator winner and runner-up for the previous two years and, similarly, have been the winner or runner-up of the Guardian and Observer’s Best Small Tour Operator award for the past four years as well as featuring in Wanderlust magazine’s Top 10 Tour Operators for the past eight years.

These awards are widely recognised as being the most respected in the travel industry as they are professional surveys of the publications’ readerships. With over 500 tour operators for you to choose from in the UK alone, we hope you find these awards are an additional reassurance of the quality of service you can expect from Audley.

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AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR SILK ROUTE TOUR

Following in the footsteps of the great traders and explorers of old, this grand tour takes you along the route of the ancient Silk Road through western China and over the high passes into Central Asia to the fabled khanates of Bukhara and Samarkand. The tour combines the world- renowned cultural and historical sites of the Silk Route with some of the planet’s most stunning scenery. En route you’ll visit the magnificent Buddhist Grottoes at the oasis town of Dunhuang, haggle with the locals at the incredible Kashgar Sunday Market and cross the towering 3752m Torugart Pass into Kyrgyzstan, one of Asia’s hidden gems. Commencing in Beijing, this three-week tour is timed to avoid the worst of the summer heat, and hopefully coincide with the alpine flowers in Kyrgyzstan. Much of the route is covered by private coach, though a few reliable domestic flights cover the great distances quickly and conveniently. Due to the remoteness of many of the regions, accommodation is often simple in nature, but always clean and comfortable.

CLIMATE The contrasts of climate and terrain along the Silk Route Is this trip for you? could not be more marked, ranging from the towering Travelling in Central Asia requires mountain passes of Kyrgyzstan to the deep Tarim Basin at flexibility, patience and understanding; Turpan, one of the lowest places on earth. To avoid the worst of the summer heat and the mountain snows the arrangements often change at short tour departs in late spring or autumn. We shall send more notice, accommodation is simple and details on what to expect nearer the time. Do feel free to there are long drives on unsealed contact Chris in the meantime on 01993 838 213 if you roads. have any concerns about this. It should be remembered that CHRIS’ PROFILE Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are still The group tour is being overseen by Chris Moore - one of very much third world counties and our Silk Route and Central Asia specialists. Chris's western China is similarly still passion for China and the Far East stems from his first developing. introduction to the region in the mid-1990s, his first trip out of Europe. Since then he has returned to China many If however, you are looking for times to different regions of the country and is always amazed by the speed at which the country is changing. stunning scenery, fascinating culture

He studied for a year in Taiwan and remains captivated by and have a keen sense of adventure, this understated island. After graduating in Chinese he this is absolutely the trip for you! put his travel experience and knowledge of Asia to good use by joining Audley Travel. While at Audley Chris has been fortunate enough to return to China and travel along the Silk Route into Central Asia, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and the warmth & hospitality of the people he has encountered.

DAY BY DAY SUMMARY OF TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

DAY DATE ITINERARY IN BRIEF ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

1 Monday 14 Today, depart Heathrow at 16;40 on the Overnight on the flight. May 2012 overnight flight to Beijing, along with the rest of the group flying out today.

2 Tuesday 15 Arriving into Beijing in the morning, you`ll Novotel Sanyuan, Beijing May 2012 be taken to your hotel, well located for the 1 x Standard twin/double - Breakfast airport, with the rest of the day at leisure to is included relax and recover from your flight.

3 Wednesday 16 Returning to the airport, you fly onto Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang May 2012 Dunhuang, where you`ll visit the world- 1 x Superior Room - Breakfast is famous Mogao caves. The afternoon will be included spent at the massive sand dunes at Mingsha, just on the edge of the city.

4 Thursday 17 After time at leisure in the morning you`ll Turpan Hotel, Turpan May 2012 return to the airport to fly onto Urumqi. 1 x Standard Room, Old Wing - There you drive onto Turpan. Breakfast and dinner are included

5 Friday 18 Full day tour of the Turpan region, taking in Turpan Hotel, Turpan May 2012 Gaochang, Astana Tombs, Bezeklik, the 1 x Standard Room, Old Wing - Flaming Mountains and the Tuyaq Valley. Breakfast and lunch are included

6 Saturday 19 This morning the group will visit Jiaohe, Barony Hotel, Kashgar May 2012 perhaps the best of Turpan`s desert cities. 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast is Also today you will see the Emin minaret, included before heading back to Urumqi for your onward flight to Kashgar. On arrival in Kashgar you will be met and driven to your hotel.

7 Sunday 20 This morning the group will be taken to the Barony Hotel, Kashgar May 2012 Yekshemba Bazaar, Kashgar`s main 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast is spectacle. Also today you will explore included Kashgar`s old town and Id Kah Mosque.

8 Monday 21 This morning you take a drive down the Barony Hotel, Kashgar May 2012 Karakoram Highway to Lake Karakul, 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast is overlooked by Mt Muztagh (7546m). included

9 Tuesday 22 From Kashgar you will head north across the The Celestial Mountains Hotel, Naryn May 2012 Torugart Pass (3752m) to Naryn. This is the 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and longest day of the trip, but also one of the dinner are included most beautiful.

10 Wednesday 23 From Naryn you`ll be taken to beautiful Eki The Celestial Mountains Hotel, Naryn May 2012 Naryn, a pretty spot perfect for a bit of 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and walking. dinner are included, with a boxed packed lunch

DAY DATE ITINERARY IN BRIEF ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

11 Thursday 24 From Naryn you head to the capital, Asia Mountain Guesthouse, Bishkek May 2012 Bishkek. 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and dinner are included

12 Friday 25 Today you`ll have a city tour of Bishkek, Hotel Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent May 2012 taking in the small but interesting National 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and History Museum. In the early evening you`ll dinner are included transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent. There you`ll be taken straight to your hotel.

13 Saturday 26 An early start this morning as you return to Hotel Malika, Khiva and surrounding May 2012 the airport for your flight onto Urgench. area There you`ll be driven straight to Khiva to 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and spend a full day exploring the maze of dinner are included streets within Khiva`s city walls.

14 Sunday 27 From Khiva you will be driven across the Zargaron Hotel, Bukhara May 2012 legendary Kyzyl Kum desert to Bukhara, 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and crossing the Amu Darya en route. dinner are included

15 Monday 28 Full day tour of Bukhara. In the evening the Zargaron Hotel, Bukhara May 2012 group will get together for a dinner at 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and Akbar`s preserved house. dinner are included

16 Tuesday 29 From Bukhara you will be driven to Hotel Malika Prima, Samarkand May 2012 Samarkand via Shakhrisabz. The late 1 x Standard - Breakfast and dinner afternoon is at your leisure. are included

17 Wednesday 30 Today the group will have a city tour of Hotel Malika Prima, Samarkand May 2012 Samarkand, including the Avenue of Tombs, 1 x Standard - Breakfast and dinner Bibi Khanym Mosque and humbling are included Registan.

18 Thursday 31 Spend this morning exploring Samarkand at Hotel Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent May 2012 your leisure. This afternoon you will be 1 x Standard Room - Breakfast and driven back to Tashkent. dinner are included

19 Friday 01 The group will be given a half day tour of June 2012 the Uzbek capital before being taken to the airport for the 16:30 flight back to the UK. Arrive into Heathrow at 20:00 this evening.

Market spices, Bishkek

QUOTATION

Quotation reference TS72047-B (based on 16 people travelling)

Arrangements as specified per person £4,350

Visa prices* Single entry one month visa for Kyrgyzstan, per person £100 Single entry tourist visa for China, standard service, per person £120 Single Entry visa for Uzbekistan, per person £110

Single supplement per person £800

Flight upgrade options Upgrade to Club Class, London to Beijing, per person £TBC Upgrade to World Traveller Plus, London to Beijing, per person £TBC Upgrade to Business Class, Tashkent to London, per person £TBC Flight upgrade prices available on request

Deposit Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements £600

*Please note: visa prices are subject to change and will be reconfirmed prior to application.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary). etc. • Any camera or video fees at any sites. • • Meals not indicated within your itinerary. Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’ • • Travel Insurance

TOUR HEALTH & FITNESS REQUIREMENTS To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please contact us.

ACTIVITY LEVEL – MODERATE/HIGH A good level of fitness is required for this trip and you should be physically active. You should be aware and prepared for all or any of the following on this trip:

• High altitude – the tour crosses passes at more than 3,500m. • Extremes of temperature – this will vary considerably depending on date of departure, but be prepared for possible highs of 35-40C (Turpan and Bukhara particularly) and lows of 0-5C (Kyrgyz passes). • Long drives on rough, occasionally bumpy roads, in a range of vehicles including coaches and 4x4 cars for up to 12 hours per day (and potentially more dependent on local conditions). • To carry your own luggage through airports and from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa. • To join all day walking tours of cities, monuments and historic sites. (All of these are optional). • Border crossings may require you to walk with your luggage. The longest of these is the Irkeshtam Pass between China and Kyrgyzstan, where a walk may be up to 7km long through No Man’s Land. NB/ This pass is only used in the event of the Torugart Pass closing and we shall endeavour to find alternative vehicular transport for this. This may involve hitching a lift with goods trucks. • Where significant changes to the itinerary are required (eg following closure of the Torugart Pass), accommodation may be simpler than specified with shared facilities. This will be kept to a minimum.

TIPPING POLICY Tips to guides, drivers and porters are not included in the price of the trip. For ease of administration your tour leader will collect a sum of money at the beginning of your trip to cover tips. This is generally in the range of $150 per person for the whole trip.

CARBON OFFSETTING Optional Carbon Offsetting for your flights per person £15

Please let your specialist know if you would like to carbon offset your flights. We work with Friends of Conservation and all offsetting payments are donated through them. For more details visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The suggested amounts are in line with the DEFRA’s current guidelines for the cost per tonne of carbon.

If you wish to ensure that Gift Aid is included please donate directly via www.audleytravel.com/offset

TRAVEL INSURANCE It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre- departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will, therefore, provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, protecting against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your travels. Cover should include emergency medical expenses, personal accident and repatriation. In addition, we strongly recommend that you include baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

We are working with Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited to offer you a range of excellent single and multi-trip policies. These include:

• Personal accident cover • Repatriation cover • Baggage cover • Personal liability cover • Overseas legal expenses • Cancellation or curtailment charge cover

These policies also cover over 80 sports and activities as standard and you can add cover for more adventurous activities such as white water rafting up to grade 4, trekking up to 6,000 metres and scuba diving up to 40 metres, to name a few.

This is only a summary of the cover provided. The policy document can be read in full on Endsleigh’s website, which can be accessed by following the link below.

To receive a quote and to book your travel insurance online please go to www.endsleigh.co.uk/AudleyTravel or call our dedicated team at Endsleigh on 0800 028 0063. Please let them know you are travelling with Audley when you call them for a quote.

HOW TO BOOK If you are happy with the arrangements outlined within this itinerary and would like to book, please forward your completed booking form and the deposit specified above. If you would like to revise the itinerary, feel free to contact me and I can prepare another version which will hopefully match your requirements. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley Travel.

On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, for example, be made in order to secure flights, accommodation and other services during periods of peak demand. Whilst suppliers may have no contractual right to make such requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid doing so if we can. Any such part payment will be treated as part of your deposit for the purposes of our terms and conditions.

PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are detailed on the booking form. We charge a credit card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit card companies. We have chosen to make this transparent rather than including it within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

REPUTATION & QUALITY A SMOOTH JOURNEY Well over 80% of our clients have travelled with us in We have procedures in place for dealing quickly and the past or have had Audley recommended to them. efficiently with mishaps from minor flight time When you book with us you are assured of quality alterations to more fundamental changes. If problems arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot do occur we will rapidly rearrange your itinerary to afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has make best use of your time given the changed been recognised by the readers of well-known circumstances, not simply cancel part of your trip or publications including the Guardian & Observer, the leave you sitting in an airport waiting for hours for a Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust magazine, where we rescheduled flight. Importantly, in these situations we have consistently featured in their ‘best tour operator’ will do everything possible to minimise any extra costs awards for a number of years. involved – in the vast majority of cases no extra charges will be made. If a problem does occur while you are travelling you can contact us on our 24 hour PERSONAL SERVICE number. We will do everything in our power to rectify We are committed to offering you a very personal the problem immediately rather than allow it to spoil service, with all your arrangements being handled by your trip. one country specialist. They will remain your one point of contact and will take responsibility for the smooth operation of your trip. They are supported by a team of DETAILED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS specialists for that region and a professional Approximately two to three weeks before you travel we administration and management team. will send you all your travel documents presented in a convenient travel organiser. As well as your full From the moment you contact us, we are here to itinerary and air tickets, there will also be additional answer your questions accurately and honestly, be information such as recommended restaurants and they about specific arrangements or any more general practical tips. A few days before you travel your queries you may have. We are experienced travellers specialist will call you to have a final talk through your with a thorough and in-depth knowledge of our itinerary and answer any last minute questions you specialist destinations, and the benefit of this may have. experience is yours throughout. When we do not know the answer to a question we will endeavour to find out and get back to you as soon as possible. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We have a firm commitment to minimising QUALITY SERVICE WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELLING the environmental and social impact of travel, and strive to ensure that a visit We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel from an Audley client has a positive effect partners overseas, taking into account their quality of on the destination. We have a service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many firm commitment to the principles of ‘responsible long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver travel’ and have been awarded AITO 5 star status (the the level of service demanded by Audley clients. Our highest achievable) for our policies and practises. We local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the continue to work with AITO, and a number of other people you will meet. In many cases we know them bodies, to improve our policies. For more details personally, in all cases we ensure that they are of the please refer to our website (www.audleytravel.com/rt) highest calibre. They are there to do much more than where you will find details of our responsible travel show you specific sights and provide factual policy and also our Travellers’ Code. If you are information. They will be able to tell you about local particularly interested in these issues and wish to life, culture, cuisines and customs; and, where incorporate them into your itinerary, please do not applicable, act as translator. In certain parts of the hesitate to contact your country specialist: world a specialist guide is more appropriate, for [email protected] example, a wildlife expert.

LEGAL LIABILITY We are a UK company and hence must fully comply with English law. When booking with us you can rest assured that your arrangements are carefully planned as we have a reputation to maintain and are legally liable for any omissions or negligent acts. You may not find you have this level of reassurance if you make your own travel arrangements independently.

First class guides

CHARITY SUPPORT

Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this each individual department also supports a charity of their choice with a yearly financial donation. This charity is one that is close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.

THE CHRISTINA NOBLE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION AND AUDLEY’S CONTRIBUTION The Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) is dedicated to helping children in need with education, medical care, social opportunities and job placement. Located in the country’s capital, the foundation conducts outreach work in and around Ulaan Bataar offering housing for poor and single parent families as well as medical care, shelter and schooling for street children. In 1997 the foundation established a permanent centre here with the aim of creating a stable home for as many orphaned children as possible. Today the charity’s ‘Sunshine Ger Village’, boasts a number of residential gers (the traditional felt tent of the Mongolian people) and other facilities which serve as a stable home for 60 children and young adults ranging in age from 2 to 24 years old. Each residential ger is staffed by an adopted ger mother, often a single parent herself, who creates a loving home for all of the children within her care. At school age the children are enrolled alongside their peers at the local district school: learning within the community and gaining vital qualifications for later adult life. Children below school age attend the Foundation’s kindergarten, constructed in 2002 on land adjacent to the ger village. The kindergarten also serves the wider community and provides invaluable pre-school education to children of local families.

Children from the ger sunshine village going to school

OUR CONTRIBUTION As part of their outreach work in the capital CNCF administer the ‘Give a Ger’ fund, an emergency fund established to provide families in danger of becoming homeless with a secure and comfortable place to live. This has proved an essential lifeline for many in a country which is renowned for it’s particularly harsh winters where temperatures drop as low as -40°C, conditions which often drive whole families beneath the city’s streets as they find refuge in central heating pipes and vents. In 2008 our department made a £500 donation to the charity which bought a ger for a nomadic family who had been living in what can only be described as a primitive hut in the heart of the city’s slum district.

In 2009 we decided to strengthen our support for the charity by committing our annual donation to sponsor a child through the remainder of his secondary education. Our fundraising efforts on behalf of the foundation continued with a staff barbeque funding fuel and winter provisions for the family.

It is exciting to be able to see how our money will be put into positive action. We are looking forward to inviting clients who travel with Audley to visit the gers and in particular the Sunshine Ger Village and meet those children helped by CNCF.

If you would like further information please speak to your specialist or visit www.cncf.org

Khiva, Uzbekistan

YOUR ITINERARY IN DETAIL

Monday, 14 LONDON HEATHROW TERMINAL: 5 TO BEIJING May 2012 British Airways flight - Flight No: BA 39 - Dep: 1640 - Arr: 0930 - (next day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight;

Tuesday, 15 TRAVEL ALONG THE SILK ROUTE - WHAT TO EXPECT May 2012 When thinking of travelling along the Silk Route, it is important to bear in mind that despite best laid plans, things can sometimes change, often at the last minute and sometimes whilst you are en route. Flight schedules in this part of the world are subject to cancellations, meaning we may have to rearrange your itinerary accordingly. Hotels can have a somewhat cavalier attitude to reservations and occasionally cancel confirmed reservations at the last minute, meaning we have to source alternative accommodation. This is something that happens rarely, but nevertheless can happen. We will always try to source alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

In addition, you should bear in mind that Central Asia is very much a developing area, and one that is moreover remote, with difficult terrain. This is, to an extent, part of the attraction of visiting the region, but you should be prepared for a small amount of discomfort, and for the fact that there are very few hotels of more than a 3* standard throughout the region. If you are prepared for this, the region will more than reward with its stunning scenery, friendly people and fascinating history and culture.

BEIJING INTRODUCTION Although the earliest records show that Beijing had settlements around 1000BC, the city itself has only been China’s capital for the past 700 years. As the country's political and cultural centre, with a population of over 15 million people, Beijing is a very active city and is changing rapidly. The capital is a tourist paradise, providing a vast array of historical and religious sites along with masterful architecture showing the artistic and cultural side of China.

Unfortunately, Beijing's transport infrastructure hasn't yet caught up with its rapid development, and travelling in Beijing can be a cause of frustration due to the high volume of traffic in the city. The new metro line has eased the situation slightly, but it's still best to be prepared for traffic jams.

The Wangfujing area is a good place for shopping as several large department stores are based there and are used by both the locals and tourists. Liulichang is Beijing’s antique street and both Qianmen and Dazhalan offer most items from silk to Chinese medicines.

SHARED TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Novotel Sanyuan, Beijing Breakfast is included

Wednesday, 16 SHARED TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT May 2012 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide You will be collected from your hotel and taken by shared transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

BEIJING TO DUNHUANG TBC Airlines flight - Flight No: TBC - Dep: - Arr: - (same day); Class: Economy class; Non- stop flight;

Dunhuang Introduction Between the southern Gobi desert and the Taklamakan lies Dunhuang. Its relative isolation over the centuries has made it a repository of cultural treasure and also an important oasis for traders along the Silk Route. Both the southern and northern Silk Routes essentially converge at Dunhuang - in one direction it was the last provisions stop before Hami or Cherchen, and in the other direction a sign that the great Han cities of the East were not far away.

There are two principal reasons to come here, with some interesting side trips for those with more time. About 25km south-east of Dunhuang, between the sand dunes and the western reaches of the Qilian Mountains are the Mogao Caves. Inside are some spectacular frescoes, many well over 1000 years old. There has been restoration here, but much of what is visible is original. Some of the caves were used by fleeing White Russian soldiers as temporary accommodation - look out for the blackened sections, resulting from the soldiers' cooking fires. Also near Dunhuang are some enormous sand dunes. If you're heading west from Dunhuang this is a sign of things to come. It is possible to take a camel ride through the dunes to a small lake that has, amazingly, never dried up.

Around the town are some interesting excursions to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves and the Yumen Pass.

Dunhuang, China

SHARED TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL transfer by shared vehicle with chauffeur-guide On arrival, once you have cleared any airport formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

EXCURSION TO MOGAO CAVE shared excursion with your vehicle, guide and driver. The caves here are amongst the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world. There are 45,000 square feet of murals to savour, though the most rewarding visits take in around 7 or 8 of the best caves, where you will be guided by one of the site's qualified guides. Photography is not allowed inside the caves, but some nice books can be bought from the museum on site. The best caves are probably those dating from the Tang period, when this region was at its zenith. A couple of the caves house large statues of the Buddha - one, at over 34 m high it is one of the world's tallest.

Camel Owner, Dunhuang

EXCURSION TO MINGSHA - THE SINGING MOUNTAINS shared excursion with your vehicle, driver and guide. About 4 km out of town, and visible throughout the region, are the mighty sand dunes known locally as the Mingsha Mountains. The highest dune here reaches 1715m, though the majority of visitors seem to prefer to look up at the peaks rather than down from them. Camel rides are available here, from the dunes to the small Crescent Moon Lake, which has never dried up. It is a photogenic spot, prompting thoughts of archaeologists struggling through the shifting sands searching for lost cities - though you should be aware that it is becoming increasingly popular with domestic tourists.

Camels at Mingsha

Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang Breakfast is included

Thursday, 17 DUNHUANG TO URUMQI May 2012 TBC Airlines flight - Flight No: TBC - Dep: TBC Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight;

Urumqi Introduction This shiny new city has risen seemingly from nowhere in only a few decades. There have been settlements in the region for some considerable time, but the evidence of this is presumably buried beneath the skyscrapers and office blocks of Xinjiang's capital. The population is mostly Chinese, with some Kazakhs and Uighurs also. For those contemplating China's meteoric rise this is an interesting place. The capitalist boom has been built largely on the back of oil and minerals and has spread across a city clearly hungry for growth and investment. Unfortunately there is nothing of real interest for tourists apart from the Xinjiang Provincial Museum which is rightly regarded as the best museum west of Dunhuang. The city does, however, have some fine hotels, making it a good base to visit Heaven Lake or Turpan.

DRIVE FROM URUMQI TO TURPAN transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide The drive from Urumqi to Turpan passes through some barren and rocky desert scenery. There are good views along the ridge of the northern Tian Shan, and later the road passes right through the middle of an enormous wind farm. In total the drive takes about 3 hours.

Turpan Introduction Turpan sits inside the world's second lowest depression. It is the hottest town in China, and receives almost no precipitation. However, underground, there is plenty of water, flowing down from the Tian Shan glaciers. This incredible irrigation system is unique to Central Asia and, these days, can be seen only in Afghanistan, Iran and western China. An interesting exhibition on the local karez, all 5000 km of them, can be seen on the outskirts of town - next to a large area of grape vines, which thrive in the local climate. Nearby is the austere and majestic Emin Minaret and mosque, made entirely of mud brick. Sights out of town include the rather forlorn Bezeklik caves, the Flaming Mountains and the superb ruined cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe. Also worth a look is the local bazaar, which has a fascinating section devoted to birds - the local Uighurs are famous pigeon-fanciers and look terribly serious as they weigh up the merits of each specimen.

Bezeklik, Turpan

Turpan Hotel, Turpan Breakfast and dinner are included

Friday, 18 EXCURSION TO GAOCHANG AND THE TOMBS OF ASTANA May 2012 shared excursion with your driver and guide The Astana tombs and Gaochang are located close to each other, around 35 km east of Turpan. Gaochang is the more rewarding of the two. Although plenty of visitors come here the ruins are so big that you can simply walk off by yourself and see no one for an hour or so. The city walls here are huge - there are one or two places where it is possible to climb them, and get panoramic views of the old city. It was originally a Chinese settlement before being captured and turned into the capital of the Uighurs.

The Astana tombs are worth a brief stop, especially when done in conjunction with a trip to Gaochang. The complex itself consists of three tombs which are open to tourists, each accessible by a flight of stairs which lead to the chamber which is about 6 metres under ground. Of particular note is the last tomb which you should come to, which holds the mummified bodies of two local dignitaries which have been amazingly preserved due to the searing heat and a lack of moisture.

Gaochang, Turpan

EXCURSION TO BEZEKLIK AND THE FLAMING MOUNTAINS shared excursion with your driver and guide The Flaming Mountains were first described so by a Chinese monk, Xuan Zang, who passed through the region. It formed the basis of his classic book 'Journey to the West'. They do vaguely look like they are on fire through the midday heat haze and are quite photogenic. Also in the area are the caves at Bezeklik. They make for a sad sight as the frescoes here were robbed, vandalised then painted over - all in the last 100 years. The scenery outside, however, is marvellous, so for this alone it is worth the journey.

The Flaming Mountains

EXCURSION TO THE TUYAQ VALLEY shared excursion with your driver and guide The Tuyaq Valley snakes its way through the flaming mountains, contrasting the scorched, sun blemished mountain scenery with the lush green of the oases which flow through its centre. The valley is 8km long and your walk will take you along its steep banks. From the car park you will first pass through a small Uighur village, past a mosque and then follow the southern bank of the valley. From here your path crosses a stream and a waterfall before following a boardwalk and the northern bank for another 10-15 minutes. This path finally rises steeply to a small collection of grottoes, which you may be able to see if there is someone on hand to open the gates. Once again it is the scenery en route not the frescoes which are the highlight.

Turpan Hotel, Turpan Breakfast and lunch are included

Saturday, 19 EXCURSION TO JIAOHE May 2012 shared excursion with your driver and guide The ruins of Jiaohe are arguably the best within the Turpan region, though they usually avoid the large tourist numbers that Gaochang attracts. The ruins themselves are of an ancient garrison town, which was established by the Chinese during the Han dynasty. The town was eventually decimated by the might of Genghis Khan, however the outlines of buildings and the city walls remain. Combining this with the fact that it is located in an excellent spot between two rivers, makes for a pleasant morning or afternoon excursion.

EXCURSION TO THE EMIN MINARET shared excursion with your driver and guide Located 3km east of Turpan this impressive complex offers peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Turpan. The minaret is designed in simple Afghan style, built in 1777 in memory of the local ruler, Emin Hoja. It was rebuilt in 2004 and is in very good condition. Services are held every Friday and on holidays.

Emin Minaret, Turpan

DRIVE FROM TURPAN TO URUMQI shared transfer with your vehicle, driver and guide. This drive takes around 3 hours through some great folds of rock and barren desert. After an hour or so you should pass right through the middle of a wind farm, evidence of China's nascent environmental awareness. On the right hand side as you close in on Urumqi there are panoramic views of the Tian Shan - including Bogda Feng "Peak of God" a forbidding, tough mountain, permanently covered in snow.

URUMQI TO KASHGAR TBC Airlines flight - Flight No: TBC - Dep: - Arr: - (same day); Class: Economy class; Non- stop flight;

Kashgar Introduction Just where you least expect it, sandwiched between a vast sand sea and some of the world's highest mountains, lies Kashgar, one of the greatest cities along the Silk Route. The initial shock of seeing a drab new Chinese city soon turns to wonder at the old medieval town enclosed within. Old mud brick homes and cramped alleyways sprawl outwards from the central mosque - the second largest in China. Local craftsmen make Central Asia's finest musical instruments, hawkers push trolleys laden with fruit through the streets, old men with long grey beards 'aksakals' sip tea on carved wooden balconies and everywhere the sound of money changing hands. This is China's 'Wild West', with a culture unrelated to the rest of the country. Indeed from Kashgar it is a shorter distance to Turkey than to Beijing. The prime attractions are some beautiful and moving tombs, a large and venerable mosque and, most of all, one of the great markets of the world.

Livestock market, Kashgar

Barony Hotel, Kashgar Breakfast is included

Sunday, 20 KASHGAR SUNDAY MARKET May 2012 shared tour with your vehicle, driver and guide. There's nothing like it to the east, and little to rival it to the west. The town's population swells by more than 80,000 people on Sundays - usually far more. These unquantifiable hordes - of Uighur, Kazakh, Pakistani, Afghan, Chinese, Dungan, Kyrgyz, Mongol and Russian complexion - put together one of China's most engaging spectacles.

In the livestock section, on the outskirts of town, goats, sheep, cows, donkeys and horses get put through their paces by buyers looking for something special - or just a trusty old beast for the apple cart - whilst "middle-men" - ever on the make - busy themselves with the closing of deals. In the second section the stalls sprawl for more than 2 km through the town.

When looking around the bazaar it is important to remember that is primarily for local consumption. Local tastes change over time and though twenty years ago - when the livestock bazaar was the main event - you could feel yourself at the ends of the earth this is now unlikely to be the case. There is still the frisson of excitement at seeing large crowds of Uighur men, all in traditional clothing, haggling over a particularly fine cow though you are just as likely to see t-shirts, pots and pans and spare tyres on sale now. The magic of the event is as a focal point for Southwest Xinjiang and the adjoining countries - Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan in particular.

Uygur pottery stall, Kashgar

KASHGAR CITY TOUR shared excursion with your driver and guide The old part of town is an intriguing place. Much of it is caught in a seemingly eternal time- warp, to the chagrin of the Chinese authorities, who want to knock the whole place down. It is very atmospheric, and a potter about with a guide can be most rewarding. Particular sights worth seeing include Id Kah Mosque - standing since 1442, and some extant sections of the medieval city walls. Near to the city is a beautiful and moving mausoleum to a local missionary, Abakh Hoja. The tilework here is amongst the best in western China.

Abakh Hoja mosque, Kashgar

Barony Hotel, Kashgar Breakfast is included

Monday, 21 EXCURSION TO KARAKUL LAKE AND MT MUZTAGATA May 2012 shared excursion with your driver and guide High in the mountains to the south of Kashgar, across some strange and wonderful scenery, is Karakul Lake. It is a beautiful spot, squeezed between two proper giants, Muztagata (7546m) and Kongur (7719m). It is possible to go for walks around the lake, though you are at altitude (3800m) so avoid anything too strenuous.

If you're heading down here on a Monday then you will pass through the town of Upal, where there is an interesting Monday market - a rural counterpoint to Kashgar's more metropolitan atmosphere. Time permitting the group will stop here.

Barony Hotel, Kashgar Breakfast is included

Tuesday, 22 KASHGAR TO NARYN VIA THE TORUGART PASS May 2012 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide This overland journey, one of the grandest in Central Asia, is a memorable way to depart China. It wasn't so long ago that the trip was rendered impossible for various political reasons, but it is now open season on the Torugart. The brief grace period between the heavy snows allows all kinds of traffic across - including tourists. Precaution should be the by-word of the trip. Even if the weather is crystal clear on leaving Kashgar you should take warm clothes, sun cream, sunglasses and water. As you cross the border into Kyrgyzstan, the landscape opens up into a vast, grassy plateau, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Look out for golden eagles and Himalayan vultures circling high on the thermal air currents and the ubiquitous and endearing marmot scampering for cover as you drive past. Beyond the Chinese immigration post, the road is mostly gravel and you should expect a bumpy three hours or so until the road climbs steeply up to the Torugart Pass at 3752m. The Kyrgyz side of the pass is bumpier still as the rubble road crosses the plateau on a journey of around 5-6 hours to Naryn.

Kyrgyz side of the Torugart Pass

Kyrgyzstan Introduction Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the friendliest of the new Central Asian republics. The people here, largely Kyrgyz but with sizeable Russian and Uighur minorities, are extraordinarily welcoming and warm. There are some truly memorable experiences to be had throughout the country, right from the moment you arrive. Bishkek, the leafy capital, sits at the foot of the impressive Alatau range with the superb Ala-Archa canyon nearby. To the east lies one of the world's deepest alpine lakes - Issyk-Kul - that never freezes over and provides the main coastal towns with a pleasant climate. Further south a smaller lake, Song-Kol, occupies what many say is the country's most beautiful spot, with nomadic yurts dotted around its edge. From Song-Kol south is one of the world's grandest journeys - across the mighty Torugart Pass into western China. In the south-west lies the ancient caravan town of Osh with its kaleidoscopic bazaar. Finally, as if all that wasn't enough, in the north-east, accessible only by helicopter, is one of the greatest glaciers on earth, Inylchek, squashed between Khan Tengri and Pik Pobedy.

Naryn Introduction Naryn is not of huge interest to most visitors. It is primarily used as a stopping-off point between Bishkek and Kashgar. The town is locally famous for its shyrdaks (felt carpets), although the prices tend to be higher here. Some of the surrounding mountain scenery is starkly beautiful, with the best light just after dawn.

Naryn road, Kyrgyzstan

The Celestial Mountains Hotel, Naryn Breakfast and dinner are included

Wednesday, 23 EXCURSION TO EKI NARYN May 2012 shared excursion with your driver and guide Eki Naryn is the main settlement in this part of the beautiful Kichi Naryn Valley. This makes for some very pleasant walking and the chance to see rural Kyrgyz life here in the middle of the country.

The Celestial Mountains Hotel, Naryn Breakfast and dinner are included

Thursday, 24 NARYN TO BISHKEK VIA THE BURANA TOWER May 2012 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide From Naryn to Bishkek is a long day's drive through some stark landscapes. As you approach Issyk-Kul the mountains rise sheer to either side. Between Naryn and Kochkorka is probably the scenic highlight - grasslands stretching up to the foot of snow-capped peaks. After Kochkorka the descent to Issyk-Kul begins, passing through a giant gap in the mountains. The road forks at Balykchy, part of it stretching around the southern rim of the lake and the other skirting the northern shore. The road to Bishkek heads northwest from here, through the Shoestring Gorge and down onto the northern plains.

An interesting stop en route is the Burana Tower, a mysterious and ghostly looking building - formerly used as both a minaret and a watchtower. The history of the surrounding region is fascinating, with Sogdians, Karakhanids and Scythians all having left their mark. Much of what was excavated from the mounds of earth around the tower was taken to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, including a heavy gold burial mask. Also nearby are some intriguing balbals - ancient gravestones - staring out from the grass.

Issyk-Kul means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz, which helps explain why it never freezes over. The lake's salinity and depth allow it to be ice-free even in the depths of winter, when temperatures drop to -20 degrees and below. Perhaps for this reason, and its complete isolation from the outside world, the Soviets tested naval weapons here. The lake shore was first populated by Scythians, and later Kyrgyz and Russians. According to rumour it was also the summer base of Tamerlane. A summer swim in the lake is safe and highly recommended.

Bishkek Introduction This is Kyrgyzstan's financial and political capital and the country's international face. The city is small and manageable and no less striking for that. Taking a walk around sometimes feels like strolling through a forest with a few buildings here and there. The city's inhabitants are a friendly bunch and in the evenings locals can be seen promenading along the central streets. The main attractions of the city are its size and lack of pretension, as well as a couple of fine museums and a beautiful Russian cathedral. Also here are the enormous "Osh" bazaar and a giant statue of Lenin that someone has clearly forgotten to remove. It is in the capital where the greatest ethnic mix can be found: Kyrgyz, Russians, Koreans, Uighurs, Kazakhs and Dungans all seem to mingle quite happily.

Market spices, Bishkek

Asia Mountain Guesthouse, Bishkek Breakfast and dinner are included

Friday, 25 BISHKEK CITY TOUR May 2012 shared excursion with your driver and guide A tour of this congenial capital makes for an interesting and relaxing day. Although there is nothing to compare to some of Central Asia's more famous destinations the city can offer a poignant National History Museum, with exhibits on Kyrgyz victims of Stalin, as well as some interesting displays on Kyrgyz applied arts. Also worth seeing are some of the Soviet- era relics that remain - such as Lenin's giant statue defiantly pointing at the nearby Parliament building and the old department store, Zum. Bishkek's main market, confusingly called the Osh Bazaar, sprawls across the centre of the city with hawkers selling everything from fake brand-name clothes to sheep's heads. The State Museum of Fine Arts is the place to go for fans of Kyrgyz 'shyrdak' rugs and, if you're in town on a Sunday, join the locals at the Orthodox church for a moving and fascinating experience.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

SHARED TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide You will be collected from your hotel and taken by shared transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

BISHKEK TO TASHKENT Uzbekistan Airways flight - Flight No: TBC ; Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight;

Uzbekistan Introduction The Silk Route, perhaps the most important trade artery in world history, is nowhere more accessible to the senses than in Uzbekistan. Thankfully it is no longer necessary to don a disguise and to bring greetings from the Queen in order to experience the cities of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara. They are more welcoming to travellers now than at any time in their long history. Writers and poets have eulogised at length about these cities over many hundreds of years, but truly nothing compares to seeing the great monuments of this fascinating region first hand; and they are unlikely to disappoint. Colourful majolica, intricate brick-work and soaring minarets come together in structures of epic proportions whilst traders barter endlessly in chaotic bazaars. There is another, parallel, history here, of Russian imperialism and Soviet control, both of which have left their strong imprints on Uzbek society - in the lingua franca, in the new cities and, most of all, in the ethnic mix of the country, from Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkmen to Germans, Koreans and Kurds.

Tashkent Introduction Virtually flattened in an earthquake in 1966, Tashkent has now been rebuilt and is the capital of the most interesting of the Central Asian countries. Although most buildings date back to the Soviet era, if you venture into the old part of the city you may be surprised at the culture and history that remains. The skyline is dominated by concrete apartment blocks decorated with traditional Uzbek motifs, but on the ground you will find parks, monuments, tree-lined avenues and an interesting older town with a vibrant market and shady courtyards. Particular points of interest here include the country's finest museums, the Alisher Navoi Opera House and the fascinating Soviet-era Metro stations, all with art- deco designs (and the trains are on time).

Kukeldash Madrassa, Tashkent

Hotel Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent Breakfast and dinner are included

Saturday, 26 SHARED TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT May 2012 transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide You will be collected from your hotel and taken by shared transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

TASHKENT TO URGENCH Uzbekistan Airways flight - Flight No: TBC - Dep: - Arr: - (same day); Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight;

Please note – if the timings of this flight and the Bishkek to Tashkent flight allow, the group will fly straight from Bishkek to Urgench on 25th May. This would avoid the need for an overnight stop in Tashkent and would mean the group would instead spend an additional night in Khiva on the 25th May. As flight schedules are not released until a few months before travel this change is likely to be a last minute one, if it happens.

Khiva Introduction Uzbekistan's western flank forms the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. This hot, dry region bordering Turkmenistan is home to a fascinating history under the Khans of Khorezm, typified by the walled city of Khiva. The name itself is most often associated with slavery - in this case of Russians - who were captured within the boundaries of the khanate and taken to the walled city as indentured labourers. This rather sordid historical episode has a lighter end - many slaves were freed by the surprising intervention of two British officers, Lieutenant Richard Shakespear and Captain James Abbott. Other activities for which the khanate was known include the rather harsh use of minarets as execution towers, plus some interesting forms of punishment for transgressors of local law. Attractions in Khiva are numerous, including the superbly preserved - and renovated - city walls and dozens of mosques and medressas. The city is particularly atmospheric in the evening when the sun begins to dip. The fading light makes for some beautiful photography.

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Urgench Introduction With little to interest the visitor and unspectacular accommodation and restaurants, many westerners wonder why they have made the effort to travel to Urgench. On visiting nearby Khiva, they realise that the journey was worthwhile. Urgench is best used as a transport hub to explore this less visited area of the country.

URGENCH TO KHIVA BY CAR transfer by shared vehicle with driver and guide The drive from Urgench to Khiva takes around 30 - 45 minutes, travelling along a good surfaced road. As you approach Khiva the road passes through residential areas, before winding around and through the old city walls, to arrive in the Old Town itself.

FULL DAY EXPLORING KHIVA shared tour with your guide. Khiva is a walker's town, with most of the monuments within a short distance of each other. The Ichon Qala citadel, its giant defensive wall dominating the skyline, marks out the old town from the new town, which sprawls out towards the desert on all sides. For most visitors the citadel walls are a place of fascination in their own right. Starting at the West Gate your guide will take you to the chief points of interest. First up are the Kalta Minor minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Medressa. The former is a stunning example of majolica techniques and looks slightly eccentric due to being left unfinished. Also nearby are The Ark - with a charming display on dungeons in a side room - and the Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa, a lovely building often overlooked by large tour groups. A look inside the Juma mosque is worthwhile - the pillars here support the huge ceiling without artificial assistance. An interesting building to the north is the Tosh-Khovli Palace - the former royal harem - with stunning tilework and some interesting design motifs. The highlights to either side of the central street include the Pahlavon Mohammed Mausoleum and the Islom-Huja mosque and minaret. The latter is Khiva's highest point and, if you can climb all 118 steps, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the town and the desert beyond.

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Hotel Malika, Khiva Breakfast and dinner are included

Sunday, 27 KHIVA TO BUKHARA BY CAR May 2012 shared transfer with your vehicle, driver and guide. The journey from Khiva to Bukhara is a long and hot one through the Kyzyl Kum desert - one of the world's most inhospitable places. There are animals here, and you may occasionally catch sight of some - including monitor lizards and eagles - but generally there is not an awful lot to see along the way. It is possible to stop and take a photo of the Oxus river (Amu Darya) and, from the road, there are one or two colossal gas refineries. Otherwise, drink plenty of water and relax for what is usually an 8 or 9 hour journey.

Bukhara Introduction Bukhara, Central Asia's holiest city, is also one of its most manageable. Most of the hotels and guesthouses are dotted amongst the well-preserved old town and the principal monuments of interest are almost all within walking distance of each other. There is an informal saying about Bukhara - that two visits here are worth one to Mecca - and you can see why. There are more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, including medressas, mausoleums, mosques, minarets and a handful of caravanserais. Indeed there is so much to see that one day is simply not enough. Due to the old town's separation from the new city next door Bukhara has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, perfect for taking your time.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Zargaron Hotel, Bukhara Breakfast and dinner are included

Monday, 28 FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF BUKHARA May 2012 shared tour with your vehicle, driver and guide. The sheer quantity of sights here means most visitors cannot see everything. The true highlights of the city are detailed below, though if you know exactly what you want to see feel free to make suggestions to the guide.

The remains of several ancient covered bazaars can be found dotted around the Old Town and many are still used by traders today. Your guide will take you to the merchants’ buildings, which in the 15th century were used by moneychangers, hat sellers, jewellers and silk merchants. Nearby are some bath houses and it is well worth experiencing this traditional form of relaxation. One of the city’s most recognisable monuments is the Kalon mosque and minaret complex. Climbing up this 46 metre ornamental minaret rewards you with a stunning view over the whole city and the biggest Friday mosque in Bukhara. The minaret has stood for 850 years. It was, unbelievably, spared by Genghis Khan and later bombed by the artillery of the Red Army Commander Mikhail Frunze. Around 150 metres away is the Ark, an ancient citadel that was the home of the rulers of the region for more than one thousand years. The Emirs who ruled from here were infamous for their depraved regime and the summer palace, on the edge of town, shows evidence of their elaborate lifestyle. Other recommended sights include the famous four-domed Char Minar, the Spring of the Prophet Job, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum - one of the most beautiful monuments in Central Asia. One fascinating addition to a city tour is the small Jewish synagogue just south of the Lyabi Hauz. There have been Jews living in Bukhara for more than 800 years and their dwindling community is centred around this building.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

DINNER AT AKBAR'S HOUSE shared excursion with your guide For those visitors used to the distinctly average restaurants elsewhere in Central Asia, a visit to Akbar's House for a home-cooked Uzbek meal is an unqualified treat. The house was formerly owned by a family of Jewish Merchants - sadly gone now. The decor that they installed has been carefully preserved by the current owner, Akbar. On the walls are displays of costumes from across Central Asia, as well as some marvellous textiles and trinkets. The ayvan - Uzbek for the colonnaded verandah that is every traveller's favourite part of the household - shades you from the heat of the day and is one of the best in town. The main dining room inside has breathtaking detail - Stars of David studded amongst rococo patterns and venerable rugs from across the region covering the floor. Don't hurry things - the monuments around the town aren't going anywhere fast.

Zargaron Hotel, Bukhara Breakfast and dinner are included

Tuesday, 29 BUKHARA TO SAMARKAND May 2012 shared transfer with your vehicle, driver and guide. The journey from Bukhara to Samarkand takes four hours, across a mixture of desert and steppe. For part of the way the road follows the old caravan routes, before skirting the Zerafshan mountains and entering the ancient city of Samarkand. You may wish to pause along the way at the site of a former caravanserai and covered spring.

Samarkand Introduction Sandwiched between desert wastes and the High Pamir and drained by the Zerafshan River, Samarkand is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest cities of the Orient. A brief roll-call of some of the city's many visitors reveals the importance of the place: Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Babur, Tamerlane, Ulughbek and Marco Polo. There is, perhaps, nowhere better in Central Asia to see the sweep of human history. The Registan ensemble, the finest public square in the world according to Lord Curzon, dominates the Old Town, along with the gigantic proportions of Bibi Khanym Mosque. A short walk away lie the old street of tombs, the Shahr-i-Zindah, and the remains of the ancient city conquered by the Macedonians over 2000 years ago. Elsewhere there is a fine and colourful bazaar and the ornate splendour of Tamerlane's tomb at Gur Emir.

The Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Hotel Malika Prima, Samarkand Breakfast and dinner are included

Wednesday, 30 SAMARKAND CITY TOUR May 2012 shared tour with your vehicle, driver and guide. Unlike Bukhara, where walking from sight to sight is possible, Samarkand's attractions are spread right across the city. Starting in the centre, the Mosque of Bibi Khanym dominates the skyline. It was once the biggest mosque in the world and has been partially rebuilt with UNESCO help. Inside is an enormous Koran stand, under which women yearning for lots of children are reputed to crawl, seeking heavenly help. Not far away from here, set back from the street, is the Registan Square. It is indescribably beautiful, a monument to majesty covered in majolica tiles of awesome complexity and craftsmanship. The square is made up of three buildings, one of which dates back to the early 15th century. High up on the facade of the Sher Lion Medressa are two giant lions - though the artists had clearly never seen any before - flouting, in a very public way, Islamic doctrine on the depiction of live animals. About 1km West is Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. The atmospheric interior is covered in golden tiles with inscriptions proclaiming the status of the occupant. The large slab of jade that marks the tyrant's tomb is, by convention, simply a headstone, with the body buried in a separate chamber below.

Heading East you come to the Old Town with its tangled alleyways and hidden courtyards. Extending along the northern side of the Old Town is the Shahr-i-Zindah, one of the city's main cemeteries. Standing on either side of a preserved medieval street here are some exquisite mausoleums, with majolica patterns and colours that are quite distinct from anything else in the country. Heading along the Tashkent road out of town you come to Samarkand's best archaeological sight - Marakanda. This was the city that the Macedonians conquered more than 2000 years ago and is now an open archaeological dig, occasionally used as goat pasture by local shepherds. To the north lie the tomb of Daniel - he of the lion's den - and, a little further away, the Ulughbek observatory, the remains of a massive astrolab used to determine the precise position of the stars.

The Russian part of town offers little to most visitors apart from a pretty 100 year old cathedral built by Polish prisoners of war. On Sundays there are services held here that make for an interesting and moving visit. Also on Sundays it is possible to see Samarkand's excellent bazaar, one of the best in Central Asia. The market is almost entirely for domestic consumption and those things that tourists might be tempted to buy - carpets for example - are of better quality elsewhere.

Hotel Malika Prima, Samarkand Breakfast and dinner are included

Thursday, 31 Spend this morning exploring Samarkand at your own leisure. May 2012 SAMARKAND TO TASHKENT BY CAR shared transfer with your vehicle, driver and guide. From Samarkand the road skirts the Fan Mountains, marking a natural border with Tajikistan, before pushing through some arid, flat scrubland to Tashkent. The journey usually takes between 4 and 5 hours.

Hotel Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent Breakfast and dinner are included

Friday, 01 HALF DAY CITY TOUR June 2012 shared tour with your vehicle, driver and guide. Tashkent sprawls in all directions from its focal point - Amir Timur Square. It is here that you can see Uzbekistan's curious elevation of Tamerlane to national hero. The tyrant's defiant posture atop a huge horse is certainly engaging. In the evenings the square gets filled up with chess-players who will gladly play anybody. From here West is the Zerafshan - a popular jumble of cafes, restaurants and shops. At the other end of this is a fascinating sight - the last palace of the Romanovs in Central Asia. The building was abandoned to the Bolsheviks during the revolution and, for that reason alone, retains considerable atmosphere. Unfortunately you can't go inside - it is now used, ironically enough, by the Uzbek Foreign Ministry. On the other side of the stadium is the ankhor - Tashkent's central canal. You are highly likely to see boys and men of all ages leaping in and out of this fast flowing channel during the hotter months. Along the banks are some very pleasant teahouses - chaykhanas in Uzbek - where you can find shade and a fresh pot of the local brew. One of the finer ways to get around the city is by using the Metro. The style throughout is very Moscow circa 1937, though the oldest stations were constructed only 40 years ago. It is not clear which parts are original and which parts have been renovated though some stations - in particular Alisher Navoi and Amir Timur - are very fine indeed. Near the latter is Tashkent's pretty opera house, with nightly performances between September and May.

The museums in Tashkent are the best in the country. For carpets and fabrics the best place is the Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan, swiftly followed by the Museum of Applied Arts. For those interested in the Soviet era the Geology museum makes for an engaging visit. The structure itself, and the staff inside, are so utterly Soviet you would think it was some sort of time warp. Inside can be found mineral and rock samples from all over Central Asia, as well as a complete dinosaur skeleton. Near to here is the national parliament and concert hall - though neither are of any distinction.

Older attractions in the city include the Kukeldash Medressa, a fine old pile near the bazaar, and Khast Imom - home to what is thought to be the world's oldest extant Koran. If you happen to be in Tashkent on a Sunday the Catholic cathedral is certainly worth a visit.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

TASHKENT TO LONDON HEATHROW Uzbekistan Airways flight - Flight No: HY 201 - Dep: 1630 - Arr: 2000 - (same day) - Duration: 07hr 30min; Class: Economy class; Non-stop flight;

Please note: the timings of this flight are based on 2011’s schedules. This flight does not run every day, so should the flight schedules change it may be necessary to shorten or lengthen the trip. We would pass on any changes in cost (whether more or less) if this were the case. Schedules are not released until around three months before travel.

IMPORTANT NOTES • Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change. • Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel. • All flight times are local.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective.

OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM

Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels and resorts.

NOVOTEL SANYUAN, BEIJING Medium Located just off Beijing's airport expressway, the Novotel Sanyuan is perfectly located for those stopping over in Beijing. The city centre is also easily accessible from the nearby Sanyuan Qiao metro station.

Novotel Sanyuan, Beijing

SILK ROAD DUNHUANG HOTEL, DUNHUANG Medium Located on the edge of town, overlooking the dunes of the Gobi Desert, the Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel offers probably the best quality accommodation in the area. The hotel has a roof top cafe with panoramic views of the desert.

Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang

TURPAN HOTEL, TURPAN Medium Set around a central courtyard covered in grape vines this pleasant hotel is centrally located and quiet. The rooms are simply furnished and clean, though, as with Turpan generally, the standards are somewhat lower here than elsewhere in China. The hotel occasionally has live music performances under the grape vines.

Turpan Hotel, Turpan

BARONY HOTEL, KASHGAR Medium This hotel was originally built for oil executives who needed to overnight in the town. The rooms are fine and comfortable with good bathrooms. Hotel facilities include a simple spa and two restaurants. On our last visit we couldn't find a hotel that was better in the town, though it's best not to expect too much.

Barony Hotel, Kashgar

THE CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS HOTEL, NARYN Simple This hotel, part of a chain of hotels in Kyrgyzstan, is Naryn's best accommodation. The rooms are very clean and comfortable - though not ensuite. Food is served in the basement restaurant and the owners can organise tours of the local region. Also on site is a small souvenir shop housed in a yurt.

Double room, The Celestial Mountains Hotel, Naryn

ASIA MOUNTAIN GUESTHOUSE, BISHKEK Medium Situated not far from the centre of the city this is a comfortable and excellent value place to stay. The rooms are simple but well-equipped compared to elsewhere in the country, with a mini-bar telephone and TV. There is also a recently completed pool, a welcome respite during the summer months. Eating is in a lovely open plan restaurant, with a piano in the corner.

Dining room, Asia Mountain Guesthouse

HOTEL DEDEMAN SILK ROAD, TASHKENT First Class The centrally-located Dedeman Hotel, recently completely renovated, offers amongst the best quality accommodation in Tashkent. Rooms are international business style and of a reasonable size, though those front facing can be a little noisy. Other hotel facilities are smart and modern, with a good quality breakfast buffet available.

Hotel Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent

HOTEL MALIKA, KHIVA Medium This is the latest property of the Malika chain. Situated 50 metres away from the West gate of the Ichon Qala it is the best hotel in town. The rooms are simple and comfortable, surrounding an indoor courtyard. The restaurant here serves up a mixture of Uzbek and Turkish food and occasionally puts on performances of traditional music.

Hotel Malika, Khiva

ZARGARON HOTEL, BUKHARA Medium This new hotel, built overlooking the Kalon Minaret, is a worthwhile and, for Bukhara, luxurious place to stay. The basics have been done very well here, from imported and comfortable beds to a superb roof-top bar with lovely views over parts of the old town. Everything is tastefully done and the food is good. The Labi Hauz is five minutes away on foot and the Ark a similar distance, making it one of the best located properties in town.

Our opinion: The Zargaron is one of the best options in the old town. A great base for exploring at your leisure.

Zargaron Hotel, Bukhara

HOTEL MALIKA PRIMA, SAMARKAND Medium This is the newest hotel in the reliable Malika chain and opened in early 2008. Its location in the city is fantastic - close to Gur Amir, the resting place of Tamerlane. The hotel has just 22 rooms, in keeping with the Malika's small hotel appeal. This being a new hotel, its is still developing its character. However, its fantastic location more than makes up for this.

Entrance to the Hotel Malika Prima, Samarkand

GENERAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL PROTECTION We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you buy an ATOL protected air inclusive holiday* from us, you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via our authorised agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our ATOL. In the unlikely event of our insolvency the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

*The air inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing either the person who pays for the booking is present in the UK when the booking is made or the first leg of any flight or flights we arrange for you commences in the UK. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Those arrangements which are not protected by our ATOL are covered by insurance arranged by AmTrust Europe Ltd. This insurance means your money will be refunded or you will be returned to the starting point of your contracted arrangements if already abroad in the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency. Please ask us to confirm what protection will apply to your booking.

HEALTH It is essential that you see your GP or a travel clinic before travelling to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. Some vaccinations require more than one visit with a period of weeks between injections. You should visit your GP at least six weeks before departure. For up to date medical advice you may wish to call the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA).

MASTA Traveller’s Health Line Before travelling abroad, you can telephone 0906 550 1402 (premium rate call 60p/minute) to obtain a ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your journey. Your brief will give information about immunisation and malaria as well as any Foreign Office advice and the latest health news. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MASTA, 52 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SQ. Internet: www.masta-travel-health.com

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) The majority of international airlines now issue advice on how to lessen the risk of DVT, however, if you have any concerns, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

Pre-existing medical conditions/Disabled passengers It is essential that you advise us before booking if you have any disability or pre-existing medical condition which may affect your holiday or any special requirements as a result of any disability or medical condition (including any which affect the booking process) so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking.

Full details must be confirmed in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. The nature of many of the destinations featured within our brochures means that in the majority of cases they are unsuitable for those who are wheelchair bound or have a lack of mobility. We will be delighted to discuss the feasibility of creating a tailor-made itinerary for you that takes into consideration your level of mobility.

On our escorted group tours the Tour Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer additional assistance to passengers with limited mobility and all such assistance will need to be provided by whoever the passenger is travelling with. We may request that you provide a letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to travel.

High altitude Your itinerary may include sections where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet (3,048 metres). If you suffer from circulation, heart or respiratory problems we advise that you consult with your doctor before confirming your booking.

SMOKING Airlines do not permit smoking on the aircraft. At the request of the majority of our clients we do not allow smoking on any form of transport used for our escorted group tours. Stops are regularly made where you will be able to smoke. For smokers travelling on a tailor-made tour we request that you check with your driver or guide whether smoking is permitted in the vehicle.

HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS Each country has its own regulations and enforcement levels relating to health and safety standards. These do not always match the very high standards we are used to in the UK. We therefore recommend that you follow a few precautionary safety procedures. Always check where the nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool before checking the water depth first. For more suggestions please see the Important Information section in your Travel Organiser.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION FOR BRITISH CITIZENS Passengers must hold a passport which is valid for at least six months following the return date of your holiday. British passport holders (full British Citizens) currently require visas, in advance of travel, for the following destinations featured in our brochures: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Burma, China, Cuba, Gabon, Georgia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar (not necessary for 2009 travel), Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Libya, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, São Tomé & Príncipe, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. (Visitors to Syria can get visas on arrival but we will need to send your passport details prior to travel). Visas may be required for other countries but can be arranged on arrival.

We are normally able to obtain visas on your behalf, please ask for details at the time of booking. Non-British passport holders should check with the relevant embassies as visa requirements may be different to those of British passport holders. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation and visa stamp(s). Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges.

TRAVEL ADVICE The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas destinations and offers safety advice to British travellers. You can contact the service on 0845 850 2829 or visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel

CARBON OFF-SETTING Please let your specialist know if you would like to carbon offset your flights. We work with Friends of Conservation and all offsetting payments are donated through them. For more details visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The suggested amounts are in line with the DEFRA s current guidelines for the cost per tonne of carbon. If you wish to ensure that Gift Aid is included please donate directly via www.audleytravel.com/offset

FLIGHTS AND AIRLINES The difference between a direct flight and a non-stop flight can cause confusion. To clarify, on a direct flight no change of aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will be made en route either to refuel or to board or disembark passengers. On non-stop flights no change of aircraft is required and no stops are made en route. Virtually all of the flights that we use are direct and many are non-stop. Exact details will be given with your itinerary.

Premium economy, business and first class If you require business or first class flights these can be arranged on most airlines at very competitive rates. Premium economy can be arranged on certain airlines, please call us for details.

Specific seat requests We will do all we can to try to reserve a specific seat for you, if you have a preference. However, whilst airlines may allow us to request seats, they will not guarantee any specific seat reservation. If this is important to you, it is always best to arrive for your flight early, regardless of having made this request in advance. Please make it clear on your booking form if you have a specific request.

Flight amendments We generally use special „inclusive tour‟ fares when we purchase your air tickets from the airlines. While these fares are very good value they are inflexible in terms of changes and offer no refunds once the tickets are issued. Once your flight is confirmed the airlines will charge an amendment fee or insist on the purchase of a completely new ticket if you make changes.

Internal flights Smaller local airlines are often more likely to change their schedule at short notice. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance of travelling but this may not always be possible.

Frequent flyer clubs If you collect points through any of the airline frequent flyer clubs please provide your membership details on the booking form and we will ensure that these are recorded against your flight reservation. Please note that on some of our specially negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are not always awarded.

UK AIRPORT HOTELS, CAR PARKING AND LOUNGES We are able to arrange airport hotel accommodation, car parking, meet and greet services and airport lounge access in the UK, subject to availability. To arrange any of these services please call our Reservations Administration Team on 01993 838 051.

HOTEL INFORMATION There is frequent confusion over the terminology used for bed arrangements in hotel rooms. A „double‟ is recognised as meaning a room with a double bed, this may be two single beds pushed together. A „twin‟ is a room with two single beds. Please note that all rooms are allocated at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be guaranteed.

Single rooms Single rooms tend to be smaller than double or twin rooms, however, many hotels do not have single rooms, in which case you will be allocated a twin or double room.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Special diets should be requested on the booking form, however, it is unrealistic to expect special diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we feature. We will advise the hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability.

BROCHURE AND ITINERARY ACCURACY We thoroughly check all the information that is included within our brochures and individual tour itineraries, however, changes do occur and errors are occasionally made. Airlines may change their schedules, roads may close and government regulations may alter. Should there be any changes to the travel arrangements you have booked we will do our best to keep you informed of the situation prior to departure.

TRAVEL IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD Many of our destinations are in the developing world where attitudes, infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and cultures are very different from our own. This is often the very reason to visit the destination but certain aspects may be frustrating. We always advise that the first thing you should pack is your sense of humour. This can prove invaluable when travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a delayed aircraft and communicating with hotel staff whose first language is not English.

DATA PROTECTION ACT We will hold your name, address and any other details you supply us with on our database. This information will be used to make your travel arrangements and to send you information about Audley Travel. In order to make your travel arrangements we will need to pass your details to companies and individuals outside the EC where less stringent data protection controls may be in place. We will not pass on your details to third parties for any other purposes.

AITO QUALITY CHARTER

THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT TOUR OPERATORS AITO is the association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

FINANCIAL SECURITY An AITO member is required to protect money paid by customers to the member for any holiday sold under the AITO logo. This protection applies to customers who are in the UK at the time of booking or to overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. Members have to comply with UK Government Regulations in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding and guarantee arrangements to the Association on a regular basis.

ACCURATE BROCHURES AND WEB SITES All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

MONITORING STANDARDS AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM All members acknowledge the importance of AITO‟s Responsible Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 or 5 star status.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Audley is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association, visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280.